Self Portrait as Tiger, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Masked

drawing, figurative, self portrait, studio photograph

2008

In the "Mask" series, I use animal masks to transform into a character or beast, exploring primal instincts and animal attributes. As I spend time analyzing, drawing, and observing the character, role-playing can transform into reality; the animalistic persona can then become part of my identity.

These drawings also use posing, nudity and stylization to investigate models of beauty, femininity, elegance and tropes of portraiture.

Self Portrait as Tiger, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Tiger, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Studio, Madison, WI, 2008

Studio, Madison, WI, 2008

Self Portrait as Butterfly, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Butterfly, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Eagle, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Eagle, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Elephant, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Elephant, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Giraffe, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Giraffe, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Gorilla, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Gorilla, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Lion, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Lion, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Pig #1, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Pig #1, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Pig #2, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Pig #2, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Shark, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches

Self Portrait as Shark, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches